“…The harvest is plenty…”

A new year has brought in a great harvest for us here in our new home.  A bounty of eggplant, mangoes, pumpkin leaves and soon we’ll have broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, guavas and avocados.  The bible says, “…The harvest is plenty…” but the real problem lies with the laborers.  It was so exciting to see the children help Warren as he picked the eggplant and the mangoes.  It would have truly been an overwhelming task for him alone but the little helpers were very willing and available.  My prayer for this year is that we would see the harvest needing immediate picking. 

In Lusaka, we’re experiencing our rainy season.  We’ve already learned this early in the season that we must be quick at getting our fruits and vegetables because we’re not the only ones wanting them.  We have birds and insects that are waiting.  A picture forms in my mind as I reflect on this truth.  The enemy is very aware that the harvest is ready and he too wants to pick.  We have to have this vivid picture in our hearts and minds that if we don’t act quickly, the enemy will get the harvest.  Alternatively, even worse, the harvest will rot in the field. 

Warren was so disappointed to have found a rotting mango on the ground, and wondered how he could’ve overlooked it.  I am truly praying that this year will be a year of harvest, not only of souls but also for our own growth in the grace and knowledge of the Lord.  My prayer is for God to make me sensitive to His voice and His leading that I would not look over an area in my life that would need harvesting.  I see this personal harvest like a maturing process, coming into a deeper level in Jesus.  Leaving all the past behind and allowing Him to harvest our hearts to Himself, plucking up anything of the world and the flesh.